2008 LeMans - Looking for a 'Guide'

gtscayman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2007, 05:10 PM

Is anyone out there planning to go to LeMans in 2008? Seriously thinking next year will be the year to cross that race off my list of 'must see's', but the logistics look a little more complicated than just 'get tickets, get flight, get hotel,watch race'. I would like to link up with others that have gone before, or better yet, have gone before and are going again to provide me with some guidance, meet up, etc. or whatever is reasonable without putting anybody out. I see some of the tours being offered but don't know if this is the best way to go. Look forward to any assistance anybody can give!

Shoestring7 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 11:34 AM

i've been a few times (about 15), although the last was 5 years ago. Of course its a bit easier for me as its 250, not 4000 miles!

I've travelled by car, m/bike, train, coach and shank's pony, and camped at the circuit, and stayed at hotels & slept under a bush in the rain. I'd suggest you try to arrive Thursday evening, book a hotel in the centre of town, and use the shuttle buses that run from the railway station up to the circuit, 3 miles away. That way you get to experience the atmosphere of Friday, and have a bolt hole for a cold beer/warm shower when the place gets too hot/dusty/sh*tty (French sanitation facilities are not really up to New World standards I'm afraid). Le Mans Old Town near the cathedral also has some great 'real' French places to eat.

Alternatively, you can see if the UK's Porsche Club GB have spaces on their trip; if you're a member of your local club I'm sure they'll let you go along. The camping does give you the full 100% proof Le Mans 24hr experience, but at my age I need my creature comforts!

Actually if I were in your shoes I'd give the 24hours and those bloody diesels a miss. Wait 2 weeks and come over for the Le Mans Classic 12/13 July. That's an incredible event, with much less of the crowds and hassle of the main event, but has great racing, and incredible field of cars (including Porsches from 356 Carrera to 935's), and easy access to the paddock etc.

Hope this helps,

SS7

spindoc · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoestring7

Actually if I were in your shoes I'd give the 24hours and those bloody diesels a miss. Wait 2 weeks and come over for the Le Mans Classic 12/13 July.

Do they run the shuttles the same way for the Classic? And do you have any other recommendations specific for that event? Thanks.

Shoestring7 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spindoc

Do they run the shuttles the same way for the Classic? And do you have any other recommendations specific for that event? Thanks.

I'm not sure about shuttles for the Classic, my guess is 'probably'.

Not sure what more I can suggest. The race is split into 6 fields by age, each field racing every 6 hours all through the 24 hours; 4pm Saturday to 4pm Sunday. They use the full circuit, which is hugely fast, the prototypes hit 200mph in 3 or 4 places. You can drive most of it on Friday as its ccomprised of 'normal' roads. There are three main spectator areas, the start/finish section of about two miles, the slow Arnage corner, and the Indianapolis corners. You need a car to travel between each, but 24 hours is a long time so its a good idea to get grandstand tickets. It can also rain - hard!

You can get to the main Mulsanne straight (it was a 5 mile flat out 240mph blast between the trees, now its split into three sections by 3rd gear chicanes) if you book at one of the restaurants tht line the straight.

This guy finds local accomodation: Welcome, is English and can probably help you with specific questions. Obviously it would help if you have a car as it opens up the options.

Le Mans is not far (3 hours) from the Normandy D-Day beach areas and the Loire chateau (2hours) if you want to make a trip of it. BTW Vimy Ridge is a way away - a full day on a bike (ask me how I know..!).

Here's the Classic site: Le Mans Classic

HTH

SS7
PS Sorry, thought you were the op, hence the Vimy Ridge reference!

gtscayman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 03:22 AM

Thanks for the advice! I didn't see this thread showing up on my 'new posts' and thought it wasn't getting any replies......

The Vimy Ridge reference is much appreciated - I don't think I would know what to think standing there - I live in a privileged time and place now.

Your Classic comment has got me thinking - and you're right about the diesels. The 430's, GT3's and C6R's still have lovely soundtracks though. I would love to see 936's, 935's and the like - I never have made the Monterey races either.

What about Goodwood - that's near the top of my list also. Where would you put it with respect to LeMans or the Classic?

Shoestring7 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtscayman

Thanks for the advice! I didn't see this thread showing up on my 'new posts' and thought it wasn't getting any replies......

The Vimy Ridge reference is much appreciated - I don't think I would know what to think standing there - I live in a privileged time and place now.

Your Classic comment has got me thinking - and you're right about the diesels. The 430's, GT3's and C6R's still have lovely soundtracks though. I would love to see 936's, 935's and the like - I never have made the Monterey races either.

What about Goodwood - that's near the top of my list also. Where would you put it with respect to LeMans or the Classic?

European Classic car racing is hard - probably too hard. You can keep your GT3's when there's a 917 at full noise around!

I live close to Goodwood. There are two main events there, the Festival of Speed and the Revival. The FoS in '08 is the same week-end as the Le Mans Classic (doh!). This is a more static event, although the cars run up the driveway of the house (2.5 miles) past the crowds so you can see the moving. The quality of the stuff is fantastic, from the earliest motor cars to the latest F1 kit. Its probably the major classic festival in UK, maybe Europe too. Downsides are the growing Corporate presence, and IMO there are too many people. Not like in the early days!

The Revival is at the race track in September and is a full-on racing meet for cars from the late 40's to 1966. Lots of Porsche's, mainly 356's, early 911's, 904's and 550RS's. One grid last year has a conservative value of £40m (or $2.4B US

) , with pro drivers in the quick cars. and a leading car ended up in the barriers buried to the driver's door with the driver being cut out.

The other great thing about the Revival is that 75% of the specators dress in period 50's/60's gear, and the circuit is decorated like a film set - complete with extras. Its probably the world's biggest fancy dress party - and it last 3 days.

There's lots of footage of both events on Youtube.

SS7

**Hets** · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 03:53 PM

Think there is a couple of way's to do this:

1. Getting there on Thursday is a must so you can get to the parade on Friday... and the party/atmosphere in town.
2. Lodging is good either in town or if you want it more quiet and if you are lucky you can try to stay in one of the castles/chateau's around... - camping is an option to get the total experience but as said before French camping/bathrooms are not a great standard
3. I definately recommend that you rent a car while being there and pay the little fee to get a good parking space close to the main paddock - this allows you to get to the different sections of the track easily... walking is an option but the track is hughe - you also can get away from the track's to eat... eating at the track is overpriced and not very good
4. You might want to consider to try to get tickets with some of the bigger manufacturers (e.g. Audi, Corvette etc...) they have very nice hosting areas set-up around the track..

Have been at the race 3 times as well as the moto GP (all within last 6 years)... send me PM in case you want any more detailled tips... travel is easy from Paris per car.